Houston couple celebrates news of son's safety in Philippines

Carol Christia, Houston Chronicle

By Carol Christian

Updated 11:58 am, Thursday, November 14, 2013

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon Haiyan hit the island nation on Nov. 9. The last time he communicated with his parents was Wednesday before the storm. Phillip left a Facebook status letting his friends know that the place he was staying was safe. (Family photo)

Survivors carry bags of rice from a warehouse which they stormed due to shortage of food at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Typhoon-ravaged Philippine islands faced an unimaginably huge relief effort that had barely begun Monday, as bloated bodies lay uncollected and uncounted in the streets and survivors pleaded for food, water and medicine.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors look up at a military C-130 plane as it arrives at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Stunned survivors of one of the most powerful typhoons ever to make landfall picked through the remains of their homes Monday and pleaded for food and medicine as the Philippines struggled to deal with what is likely its deadliest natural disaster.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors look up at a military C-130 plane as it arrives at...

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan, Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Hernani township, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows...

Residents retrieve umbrellas prior to lining up for relief supplies at Tacloban airport Monday Nov. 11, 2013, following Friday's typhoon Haiyan that lashed this city and several provinces in central Philippines. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents retrieve umbrellas prior to lining up for relief supplies...

Survivors stay beside a ship that was washed ashore hitting makeshift houses near an oil depot in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's typhoon Haiyan and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors stay beside a ship that was washed ashore hitting...

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation of the first landfall by typhoon Haiyan, Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Guiuan, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by the Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows...

A survivor cries as she tells her ordeal beside a ship that was washed ashore in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's typhoon Haiyan and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A survivor cries as she tells her ordeal beside a ship that was...

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation of the first landfall by typhoon Haiyan, Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Guiuan, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by the Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows...

A road to the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Daanbantayan town, the northernmost town of Cebu province, is strewn with debris, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, two days after the Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. Rescuers faced blocked roads and damaged airports on Monday as they raced to deliver desperately needed tents, food and medicines to the typhoon-devastated eastern Philippines where thousands are believed dead.
Photo: Aledel Cuizon, AP

A road to the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Daanbantayan town, the...

A survivor writes a message on their port to call for help at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A survivor writes a message on their port to call for help at...

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft arrive at Villamor Airbase, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 in Manila, Philippines, to deliver humanitarian aid for victims in the areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. Haiyan, one of the strongest storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Wong Maye-E, AP

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft arrive at...

A survivor stands outside her damaged house at typhoon ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A survivor stands outside her damaged house at typhoon ravaged...

New-born baby Bea Joy is held by relative Michelle Satur after her mother Emily Ortega, 21, gave birth in an improvised clinic at Tacloban airport Monday Nov. 11, 2013 in Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines. Bea Joy was named after her grandmother Beatrice, who was missing following the onslaught of typhoon Haiyan. Ortega was in an evacuation center when the storm surge hit and flooded the city. She had to swim to survive before finding safety at the airport.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

New-born baby Bea Joy is held by relative Michelle Satur after her...

This photo released by the Malacanang Photo Bureau shows an aerial view of Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, after Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the region in the Philippines. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into several central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and hundreds of people dead.
Photo: Ryan Lim, AP

This photo released by the Malacanang Photo Bureau shows an aerial...

An aerial shot from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation Monday Nov. 11, 2013 of the first landfall by typhoon Haiyan in Guiuan, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded, slammed into central Philippine provinces Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and socres of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

An aerial shot from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the...

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan in Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

An aerial image taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows...

A man and his family bring the remains of his one-year-old baby in a makeshift wooden coffin at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Authorities said at least 2 million people in 41 provinces had been affected by Friday's disaster and at least 23,000 houses had been damaged or destroyed.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A man and his family bring the remains of his one-year-old baby in...

Survivors look at a military C-130 plane which arrives at typhoon-ravaged Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Stunned survivors of one of the most powerful typhoons ever to make landfall picked through the remains of their homes Monday and pleaded for food and medicine as the Philippines struggled to deal with what is likely its deadliest natural disaster.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors look at a military C-130 plane which arrives at...

A message is scribbled on the sea wall amidst the devastation brought about by Friday's typhoon Haiyan which lashed Hernani township, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded, slammed into central Philippine provinces Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and hundreds of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

A message is scribbled on the sea wall amidst the devastation...

Residents carry relief goods along the bay in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Residents carry relief goods along the bay in Tacloban city, Leyte...

Residents try to salvage belongings in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents try to salvage belongings in Tacloban city, Leyte...

Resident walk past damaged houses in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

A resident walks inside a damaged home in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

A resident walks inside a damaged home in Tacloban city, Leyte...

Residents carry relief goods past damaged homes in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents carry relief goods past damaged homes in Tacloban city,...

A woman looks out from the remains of her damaged house in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

A woman looks out from the remains of her damaged house in Tacloban...

Residents salvage belongings from their damaged houses in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents salvage belongings from their damaged houses in Tacloban...

Residents push a shutter to open a small grocery to get food in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortage of food, water and no electricity since the Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Residents push a shutter to open a small grocery to get food in...

A store owner aims his gun to prevent a mob of people who tried to storm his grocery in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A store owner aims his gun to prevent a mob of people who tried to...

The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, are seen Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Toti Navales, AP

The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, are seen Sunday, Nov. 10,...

Residents push dead bodies on a cart after strong waves caused by Typhoon Haiyan slammed into Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and hundreds of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Residents push dead bodies on a cart after strong waves caused by...

This photo released by the Malacanang Photo Bureau shows an aerial view of Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, after Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the region in the Philippines. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into several central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and hundreds of people dead.
Photo: Ryan Lim, AP

This photo released by the Malacanang Photo Bureau shows an aerial...

The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, are seen Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, in Tacloban city, Leyte province in central Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Toti Navales, AP

The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, are seen Sunday, Nov. 10,...

Residents put up a makeshift structure amongst damaged homes in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents put up a makeshift structure amongst damaged homes in...

In this Nov. 8, 2013 photo, a gigantic Christmas tree is toppled by strong wind caused by typhoon Haiyan, at Fuente Osmena Circle, Cebu, Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Chester Baldicantos, AP

In this Nov. 8, 2013 photo, a gigantic Christmas tree is toppled by...

A resident looks at houses damaged by typhoon Haiyan, in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. Haiyan, one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded slammed into central Philippine provinces Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

A resident looks at houses damaged by typhoon Haiyan, in Tacloban...

Survivors walk by a large ship after it was washed ashore by strong waves caused by powerful Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors walk by a large ship after it was washed ashore by strong...

Residents put up a makeshift structure amongst damaged homes in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The city remains littered with debris from damaged homes as many complain of shortages of food and water and no electricity since Typhoon Haiyan slammed into their province. Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, leaving a wide swath of destruction and scores of people dead.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Residents put up a makeshift structure amongst damaged homes in...

Survivors pass by two large boats after they were washed ashore by strong waves caused by Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms on record, slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday leaving a wide swath of destruction and hundreds of people dead.
Photo: Aaron Favila, AP

Survivors pass by two large boats after they were washed ashore by...

Damaged buildings sit Saturday Nov. 9, 2013 in Tacloban city in Leyte province in central Philippines, after typhoon Haiyan hit the city Friday. Rescuers in the central Philippines counted at least 100 people dead and many more injured, a day after one of the most powerful typhoons on record ripped through the region, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes with massive storm surges.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Damaged buildings sit Saturday Nov. 9, 2013 in Tacloban city in...

Soldiers load relief supplies for airlift to affected areas Saturday Nov. 9, 2013, a day after powerful typhoon hit Tacloban city, in Leyte province in central Philippines. Rescuers in the central Philippines counted at least 100 people dead and many more injured, a day after one of the most powerful typhoons on record ripped through the region, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes with massive storm surges.
Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP

Soldiers load relief supplies for airlift to affected areas...

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon Haiyan hit the island nation on Nov. 9. The last time he communicated with his parents was Wednesday before the storm. Phillip left a Facebook status letting his friends know that the place he was staying was safe. (Family photo)

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon...

Deloris Davis and her husband Harry Davis have made pertinent enquires about their son's whereabout and safety in the Philippines after the nation has been destroyed by the super Typhoon Haiyan, but so far they remain uninformed to his status. Their son Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines in preparation to bring his fiance to the United States.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Deloris Davis and her husband Harry Davis have made pertinent...

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon Haiyan hit the island nation on Nov. 9. The last time he communicated with his parents was Wednesday before the storm. Phillip left a Facebook status letting his friends know that the place he was staying was safe. (Family photo)

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon...

Deloris Davis (cq) and her husband Harry Davis lost communication with their son Phillip Burgay, 57, after the Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines. Now the couple and their son's dog Coke-A-Mo hope for his safety. At the time of the super storm, Burgay was in the Philippines in preparation to bring his fiance to the United States from the Philippines.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Deloris Davis (cq) and her husband Harry Davis lost communication...

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon Haiyan hit the island nation on Nov. 9. The last time he communicated with his parents was Wednesday before the storm. Phillip left a Facebook status letting his friends know that the place he was staying was safe. (Family photo)

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon...

Deloris Davis (cq) and her husband Harry Davis have made pertinent enquires about their son's whereabout and safety in the Philippines after the nation has been destroyed by the super Typhoon Haiyan, but so far they remain uninformed to his status. Their son Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines in preparation to bring his fiance to the United States.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Deloris Davis (cq) and her husband Harry Davis have made pertinent...

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon Haiyan hit the island nation on Nov. 9. The last time he communicated with his parents was Wednesday before the storm. Phillip left a Facebook status letting his friends know that the place he was staying was safe. (Family photo)

Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines at the time Typhoon...

Deloris Davis (cq), her husband Harry Davis and their son's dog Coke-A-Mo await to hear from their son's whereabouts in the Philippines. The Davis family lost communication with Phillip Burgay, 57, after the Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines. At the time of the super storm, Burgay was in the Philippines in preparation to bring his fiance to the United States from the Philippines.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

Deloris Davis (cq), her husband Harry Davis and their son's dog...

Deloris Davis (cq) and her husband Harry Davis have made pertinent enquires about their son's whereabout and safety in the Philippines after the nation has been destroyed by the super Typhoon Haiyan, but so far they remain uninformed to his status. Their son Phillip Burgay, 57, was in the Philippines in preparation to bring his fiance to the United States.
Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle

"The conversation was less than 15 seconds," Harry Davis said Thursday. "I didn't get to say anything. He said, 'We're getting fixed to get out of here. The place is a mess.' "

Burgay, 57, has been in the central Philippines for a month visiting his fiancée, Ritzchelle Garrido, and got caught in the monster typhoon that hit Nov. 8.

Following a Facebook message he posted a few hours before the storm took out the power, the Davises hadn't heard from their son until his brief phone call at 6:49 p.m. Nov. 13.

Davis said Burgay was on the island of Leyte when he called but Davis didn't know exactly where.

Burgay, an independent instrument technician who travels widely, said he planned to go to Cebu, a neighboring island west of Leyte.

Burgay told his stepfather, "When I get to Cebu, I will give you a call or email you and tell you more detail,' " Davis said.

The call was so short that Deloris Davis, Burgay's mother, didn't even have a chance to hear his voice because she was in a different room when the phone rang.

After getting the good news, Davis said he and his wife celebrated.

"We had a glass of wine and clinked our glasses," said the retired engineer who spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy.

Now the couple is eager to hear more details of how Burgay and his fiancée got through Typhoon Haiyan and its aftermath, which has claimed an estimated 2,500 lives.

In an email that Davis sent to friends and family shortly after hearing from his son, he told of an omen his wife had received. In the three days prior to the call, she had been finding lady bugs on her hands and arms, both indoors and outdoors.

Davis said he and his wife disagreed on what the unusual appearances might mean.

When yet another lady bug showed up on her in a doctor's office waiting room in Baytown, she said, "That's another good omen."

He told her it might be a different sign but she was unwilling to accept that, Davis said.

"So when we received his call I ran to tell her and when I returned to my chair, there on the arm was a Lady Bug. I will never doubt her intuition again."